Three Outstanding Nationals Selected for Top Honours

Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 16, 2010 (SKNIS): Analdo Richards, Spencer Horace Howell and Dr. Spencer Eugene Amory are the 2010 National Honour Awardees.

The announcements were made earlier today, September 16, which is celebrated as National Heroes Day – a public holiday.

Analdo Richards, originally of Nevis, receives the Star of Merit for his long and outstanding contributions in education. His first exposure to the field came when he graduated Seventh Standard and became a Pupil Teacher. Fondly, he remembers teaching at St. Paul’s where he said pupils clung to his every word. His first assignment soon came to an end when the Inspector of Schools noticed his ability and recommended him for a position at the Basseterre Boys School.

Richards again did outstanding work that led to another transfer to the Charlestown Boys School in Nevis. He later returned to St. Kitts and advanced in the profession to become Inspector of Schools where he served the Eastern part of St. Kitts, starting at Cayon. After pursuing academic studies at University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica and also at Exeter University, Britain, Mr. Richards assisted others in their quest to become teachers by lecturing at the Teachers’ College in St. Kitts. The Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College awarded Mr. Richards in 1999 for unselfish and dedicated years of service to teaching and teacher education.

Dr. Spencer Eugene Amory is recognized for his noteworthy contributions in health with a Medal of Honour. He was born in Basseterre and educated at the Basseterre Boys School and the St. Kitts Nevis Grammar School. After graduating with first class honours in Chemistry from Long Island University, he received his M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his specialty training in general surgery at the New York Presbyterian Hospital and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Amory has been active in the health care of nationals living in or visiting New York over the last 25 years. This has included providing complimentary surgical care for nationals, assisting in the transfer of patients from the Federation, arranging consultations and care with specialists, and visiting nationals who are hospitalized. He has also been a mentor for nationals studying medicine in New York and a longtime supporter of the “St. Kitts Graduates” – an organization in New York that promotes the professional and academic development of local footballers.

The third National Honour Awardee is Spencer Howell of Nevis. who receives a Medal of Honour for his work in community service.

The evidence of Mr. Howell’s numerous contributions to the community is scattered around Nevis. As a welfare officer, he advocated for the less fortunate in society and was particularly sympathetic to the visually impaired. Having had a vast educational experience he understood the importance of such and under his care the School for the Blind was established.

Mr. Howell has spent a lifetime contributing to the community. He served in various capacities with a wide number of organizations including Chairman of the Nevis Christmas Festival (1950s and 60s), Vice Chairman of the St. Kitts-Nevis Carnival Committee. As a lover and owner of horses he founded the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club. Additionally Mr. Howell served in the Nevis Jaycees, Nevis Lions Club, and was the founder and director of the Bank of Nevis.